How to partition hard drive

[Najoba]

We partitioned and formatted the 80 gig Maxtor HD ATA 133 with the Maxtor software. When we went to install Win 98 ScanDisk said it was reporting the wrong size and wanted to fix it. I said "Yes" and ScanDisk changed the cylinders and heads of the hard drive to match what it wanted. So my 80 gig HD is only 32 gig instead.

I have tried to use Maxtor software to fix it and it will not do it. I have used Windows 98 Fdisk and that didn't correct it. It says: error reading fixed disk

We have just downloaded the new fdisk from Microsoft to try and see if that will do anything.

As it is now, one time it will boot up as a 32 gig HD and then after using Maxtor software again, the next time it comes up as a full 80 gig HD, with the desired drives assigned. But when we shut down the computer, it is again a 32 gig on restarting.

Does anyone have any idea how to remedy this?

 

[mainegeek]

Did you restart the pc after you formatted and before you
started the windows install? What version of Windows 98 are you using?

 

[wolluf]

Age of mobo/bios? It may only support up to 32GB hard drives - manufacturers utilities to configure hard drives can often circumvent bios restriction (but you lose flexibility). What size does the bios report the disk? Is there a later bios version for your motherboard? If you can get the bios to recognise 80GB disk - you should be able to use fdisk to partition it.

 

[mainegeek]

I didn't read your post correctly. Thought your mobo was
a new one at 133mhz. Wolluf is correct. If your bios detects the full 80 gig you should be able to partion and format. Make sure the
capacity limitation jumper (on the drive) is not on if your
model has one. You could use the Ez Bios overlay that comes with the maxiblast software to get around this. But as Wolluf said, you will loose flexibility and an overlay can be tricky to remove sometimes. Another option would be to purchase a PCI ATA Controller Card. Personally, I would buy a new Mobo before I would buy a contoller card.